Age-related trends of stroop-like interference in animal size tests in 5- to 12-year-old children and young adults

Abstract

Few studies have examined the development of Prepotent Response Inhibition (Nigg's interference control) from childhood to adulthood. This cross-sectional study examined differences in Prepotent Response Inhibition among children of 5 age groups: twenty 5- to 6-year-olds, twenty-one 7- to 8-year-olds, twenty-two 9- to 10-year-olds, eighteen 11- to 12-year-olds, and 24 young adults (18- to 24-year-olds). Participants were administered two Stroop-like tasks: the Real Animal Size Test described in 2009 by Catale and Meulemans, which requires that participants decide the real size of animals (big vs. small) displayed in a mismatching pictorial size; and the Pictorial Animal Size Test (an original test), which requires that participants report the pictorial size of the animals. Results showed clear differences between the tests. The Pictorial Animal Size Test elicited robust interference whereas the Real Animal Size Test elicited no interference. The Pictorial Animal Size Test also revealed the development of Prepotent Response Inhibition in children of 5–12 years and between children and young adults. These results were discussed with respect to differences in strengths of processing. The Pictorial Animal Size Test can be a useful tool for assessment of Prepotent Response Inhibition in children older than 5 years of age.

Keywords:

• Stroop
• Interference control
• Prepotent Response Inhibition
• Inhibitory control
• Executive function
• Preschool children

Acknowledgments

The authors thank all the children and teachers who participated in the study, and kindergarten and school administrators who supported the data collection. This research was supported by a Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Research Fellowship for Young Scientists (to Y.I.).

Notes

¹Although the Stroop Color-Word test is classified to tap interference control according to Nigg's taxonomy, it is commonly recognized that the response that must be avoided is prepotent (Friedman & Miyake, 2004; Miyake et al., 2000).